Can You Freeze Zucchini Fries? (How To Freeze Zucchini Fries)

Zucchini is just DELICIOUS.

They can be used in so many different dishes, from savory to sweet.

One of our favorite ways to enjoy zucchini is by making zucchini fries!

Zucchini fries are a healthier alternative to regular french fries, and they are super easy to make.

All you need is some zucchini, bread crumbs, and your favorite seasoning.

The best part about zucchini fries is that they can be made ahead of time and then frozen until you are ready to eat them.

This makes them perfect for busy weeknights or when you have unexpected guests over.

So, can you freeze zucchini fries?

Yes, you can freeze zucchini fries!

Follow our simple instructions below and you will be able to enjoy delicious, homemade zucchini fries any time you want!

Can You Freeze Zucchini Fries?

Yes, you can freeze zucchini fries. First, blanch the fries in boiling water for two minutes. Then, shock them in ice water and pat dry. Next, place the fries on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze for two hours. Finally, transfer the frozen fries to a freezer bag and store for up to six months.

How to Freeze Zucchini Fries

Once you’ve cut your zucchini into fry-like shapes, the next step is to blanch them.

Blanching is a process of boiling the zucchini for a brief period of time, then transferring them into an ice bath to stop the cooking process.

This helps to preserve the zucchini’s vibrant green color.

1. To blanch your zucchini fries, start by bringing a pot of water to a boil.
2. Then, add the zucchini fries and let them cook for 2-3 minutes.
3. After 2-3 minutes, remove the zucchini fries from the pot with a slotted spoon and transfer them into an ice bath.
4. Let the zucchini fries sit in the ice bath for 2-3 minutes, then remove them and pat dry with paper towels.
5. Once your zucchini fries are blanched and dried, transfer them to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Make sure that the zucchini fries are not touching each other on the baking sheet.
6. Then, place the baking sheet in the freezer and let the zucchini fries freeze for 1-2 hours.
7. After 1-2 hours, transfer the frozen zucchini fries to a freezer bag or container. Make sure that you seal the bag or container tightly to prevent freezer burn.
8. Then, label the bag or container with the date and store in the freezer for up to 6 months.

3 Tips for Freezing Zucchini Fries

Now you know how to freeze them, we’ve got our 3 top tips which we strongly recommend following when freezing zucchini fries to have the best results:

1. Do Not Overcrowd the Fries

When you freeze the zucchini fries, make sure that you don’t overcrowd them in the freezer bag or container.

If you do, then they will be more likely to stick together, making it hard to separate them when you come to cook them.

2. Leave Space for Air Circulation

As well as not overcrowding the zucchini fries, make sure that you leave some space at the top of the freezer bag or container for air to circulate.

This circulatory movement of air will help to prevent freezer burn, which would ruin the taste and texture of the zucchini fries.

3. Use Quick-Blanching Methods

There are two quick-blanching methods that are ideal for freezing zucchini fries: steam blanching and flash freezing.

Both of these methods will help to preserve the quality of the zucchini fries, so they retain their taste, texture, and colour when defrosted and cooked.

How Long Can You Freeze Zucchini Fries?

Zucchini fries will last for around 6 in the freezer before they start to develop freezer burn.

To prevent this, make sure you wrap them tightly in cling film or store them in an airtight container.

When you’re ready to eat them, allow the zucchini fries to thaw in the fridge overnight before cooking them according to your chosen recipe.

How Do You Defrost Zucchini Fries?

There are several ways that you can defrost zucchini fries, and the method that you choose will depend on how quickly you need them and what you plan to do with them once they are thawed.

Here are five methods for defrosting zucchini fries:

• The first method is to place the frozen zucchini fries in a colander or strainer and run cold water over them. This method is best if you need the fries thawed quickly and do not mind if they are slightly waterlogged.
• Another way to thaw zucchini fries is to place them on a plate or cutting board and let them sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes. This method works well if you have some time to wait for the fries to thaw.
• If you are in a hurry, you can place the frozen zucchini fries in a microwave-safe bowl and heat them on the defrost setting for 1-2 minutes. This will thaw the fries quickly, but they may become soggy.
• Another option is to place the frozen zucchini fries in a pan on the stove over low heat. This will take longer than the other methods, but it will prevent the fries from becoming waterlogged.
• Finally, you can place the frozen zucchini fries in an oven-safe dish and bake them at a low temperature (250 degrees Fahrenheit) for 10-15 minutes. This method works well if you plan to cook the fries after they are thawed.

Can You Refreeze Zucchini Fries?

No, we wouldn’t recommend refreezing zucchini fries.

This is because, after thawing and cooking the zucchini fries, they will be much less moisture-heavy, leading to a different consistency in the food.

After thawing and cooking the zucchini fries, we’d recommend placing them into an airtight container, allowing them to cool completely to room temperature, and then sealing the container.

Freeze the fries for up to three months, and thaw in the microwave, ensuring they’re steaming hot all the way through.

How to Tell if Frozen Zucchini Fries Are Bad?

Nobody wants to eat a bad zucchini fry, but sometimes it’s hard to tell if they’ve gone bad.

Here are five signs that your frozen zucchini fries may be past their prime:

1. They have an off smell.

If your frozen zucchini fries smell weird, they’re probably bad. Trust your nose on this one!

2. They’re discolored.

If your zucchini fries are a different color than they were when you bought them, they’re probably starting to go bad.

3. They taste off.

If your zucchini fries taste funny, spit them out and don’t eat any more!

4. They’re freezer burned.

If your zucchini fries have white or grayish spots on them, they’ve been freezer burned. While it’s safe to eat freezer-burned food, it doesn’t taste very good.

5. They’ve been in the freezer for more than six months.

Even if your zucchini fries look and smell fine, they may have been in the freezer for too long and lost their flavor. If you can’t remember when you bought them, it’s best to err on the side of caution and throw them out.

How to Make Frozen Zucchini Fries Taste Better?

There are tons of ways to make frozen zucchini fries taste better!

Here are five of our favorites:

• Add a flavorful dipping sauce: Zucchini fries are the perfect vehicle for dipping into all sorts of delicious sauces. Try pairing them with a cheesy fondue, tangy tzatziki sauce, or herby green goddess dressing.
• Give them a crispy coating: One way to give frozen zucchini fries an extra boost of flavor is to coat them in a flavorful breading or batter before cooking. This will also help them become extra crispy when baked or fried. Some great options include panko breadcrumbs, cornmeal, and seasoned flour.
• Top with shredded cheese: Cheese makes everything taste better, and that definitely includes frozen zucchini fries! Sprinkle on some shredded cheddar, Parmesan, or your favorite cheese variety before serving.
• Season with spice: If you like your food with a little kick, try seasoning your frozen zucchini fries with some spices before cooking. Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, and paprika all make great additions.
• Serve with a dipping sauce: Salsa, ketchup, and ranch dressing are all great options for dipping your zucchini fries into. You can even get creative and mix up your own unique dipping sauce by combining different flavors you love.